Friday, May 12 2006 15:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kathmandu: Maoist supremo Prachanda would personally lead talks with Nepal's new government to end the decade-old insurgency and forge lasting peace in the Himalayan Kingdom, a senior rebel leader said today (May 12, 2006).

Prachanda alias Pushpakamal Dahal would head the negotiation team from the rebel side, said Matrika Yadav, a central member of the Maoists' party who along with another guerrilla leader Suresh Alemgar was released from jail yesterday after the government dropped murder charges against them.

The next dialogue would be held between the negotiation teams led by Prachanda and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala in the near future, he said addressing his first press conference after his release.

Yadav hoped the next round of talks would be successful and that the Maoists would not have to take up arms again.

He, however, claimed the Royal Palace was still hatching conspiracy to foil the possible dialogue between the Maoists and the seven-party alliance government, as well as efforts to hold constituent assembly election to draft new Constitution.

He said the Maoists have not yet formally announced their talks team. Local media had earlier this week reported that the rebels have formed a three-member team for talks with the Government.

"However, Yadav said the Maoist team, as reported by media, was not the real negotiation team from the rebel side. Those whose names figure in the team reported by media may be appointed to facilitate the talks," he said.